We are proud to share that two of our outstanding educators, Chesa Kelly and Lucy Gray, were invited to speak at the Australasian Association of Philosophy Conference on their presentation titled:

Dialogue, Justice, and the Classroom: Challenging Dominant Narratives through Democratic Teaching.

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, disinformation and deep political polarisation, Chesa and Lucy explored how classrooms can play a vital role in fostering democratic habits of thought. Drawing on Connell’s work and a critical feminist lens, they highlighted that without a deliberate effort to challenge systems such as patriarchy, imperialism and capitalism, schools can inadvertently reproduce them.

Their presentation showcased how dialogic pedagogies, teaching through rich, structured dialogue, offer a transformative approach. By encouraging students to interrogate fake news, question inherited assumptions and engage in respectful disagreement, teachers help students to think deeply about the world around them. Rather than teaching students what to think, dialogic approaches help them learn how to think.

Chesa and Lucy shared practical classroom examples where dialogue has empowered students to question injustice, challenge dominant narratives and contribute to building a fairer and more inclusive world. Their work is a reminder that every classroom can be a space where critical thinking, empathy and social responsibility thrive.

Congratulations to Chesa and Lucy on representing Brisbane State High so brilliantly on a national stage and for inspiring educators across Australia with their commitment to justice and democratic teaching.

- Ms Lucy Gray | Head of Junior English and Humanities